Rusty gets to the meat of the situation -
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31. Modeling is on every Bodybuilder’s agenda, but it isn’t an easy objective.
RUSTY: I didn’t set out to be a model; competitive Bodybuilding’s always been the name of my game. But, you gotta pay bills and save a little money, and modeling’s been very lucrative. It basically fell into my lap. I started out posing for art classes, doing some local TV commercials, photos, the usual amateur stuff. That led to my being in Playgirl, which opened the door to Colt Studios.
33. Playgirl was a bold career move!
RUSTY: Come on, you’re talking to a Bodybuilder, here! You want the truth? I’ve never been self-conscious. Playgirl was a crapshoot. An old girlfriend snapped a few pictures, and--lo and behold--they took a chance on me! The exposure was worth its weight in gold; that’s the first time I got a hint of what it’s like to be a celebrity, even a minor one. You know what? I’d much rather be living naked! I’m very comfortable that way. I don’t necessarily want everyone to look at me, I’d just rather be naked! My friends always ask ‘are you decent’ before they come into my house. I say ‘yeah,’ then throw a towel over my lap. My friend’s grandmother asked to see my legs, so I dropped my sweats, forgetting that I was free-balling it at the time. She ran and shut all the drapes, screaming ‘what will the neighbors say?’
36. Yeah, but doesn’t the IFBB sanction their athletes who take it off for the camera?
RUSTY: It’s none of their business, legally or otherwise. I have a family to take care of, and I need to think about their future. What government agency tells people not to make money? The IFBB doesn’t hold such power. That would be an infringement of privacy, and I don’t even think it’s legal. If I’d nabbed a multi-million dollar contract, like other sports competitors, then I could see their concern, but the IFBB gives you what, a few thousand? Whoopee!
37. You rock as “Carl Hardwick,” Colt’s ultimate fantasy man. What brought you to the attention of photographer Jim French?
RUSTY: I’m not sure how Jim found me--either at a show or through the Playgirl connection. Wait, I remember! A bud told him about me and showed him my photos, or something like that. At the time, I was doing modeling and commercials. I was in Playgirl about 4 or 5 times, had a few commercials running, and then Colt began pursuing me.
38. Are you locked into any kind of exclusive contract with them?
RUSTY: Yes and no. I don’t have a contract, per se; it’s more like a verbal agreement. If you’ve seen Jim’s work, the lighting, the sharpness, everything, it defines professional. He’s an absolute genius! Being a Colt Man is fun, and you get to meet tons of interesting people. For my appearances, there’s a limo, 5 star accommodations, all the food I want, etc. Jim does all the photography, with the same crew, so it’s a comfortable situation. He knows how to get the absolute best in photography.
39. You’re married with a family, living an everyday life far removed from the eroticism of Colt. How do you keep them separate?
RUSTY: I’ve never had any problem separating the two. Here’s how it goes: I’m Carl at appearances and signings, and when I get home, I’m Rusty. I don’t alter my personality at all, or go phony, or act any differently. I believe Mark Twain said if you always tell the truth, you won’t have to remember any lies. Well, I’m a lousy liar!
40. Are you recognized as “Carl” at competitions? That honkin’ moustache is pretty hard to miss!
RUSTY: Constantly. And that’s the only time it sucks. A Bodybuilding fan will come up and be happy to see you and shake your hand. A “Carl” fan follows you around, keeps staring at you, and finally asks if you’re Carl Hardwick. Sometimes, they treat you like a star, which can be a bit embarrassing. I appreciate their support, and it’s a great sentiment, but a Bodybuilding show is not the appropriate time.
41. How do you and your wife handle the situation?
RUSTY (sighing): Normally, I’m just nice, like I always am. I might cut them short and tell them this isn’t the time or the place; I’m in my competition world, right now. They usually understand and are respectful. There are a few who aren’t, especially the ones who think they know you. Those are the worst. Some have even treated my wife like nuts! What they don’t realize is, Francy’s my manager!
42. Really, though, you’re lucky. Not every Amateur Bodybuilder has a hook to get their stories told. That’s what Carl has given you.
RUSTY: I’m aware of that, you can bet your ass! Bodybuilding could never get me the exposure I’ve had from modeling. I only wish the paychecks were steadier!
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